Hunter Fejes’s inspiring comeback from cancer earned him Alaska Athlete of the Week honors.
The eighth-year pro hockey player for ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears played his first two games since being declared cancer-free following months of chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
He assisted on game-winning overtime goal in his first game back and assisted on game-tying goal in another victory the next night. He cranked nine shots on goal and was plus-2 in those two wins.
The 28-year-old winger from Anchorage felt a lump near his right collarbone one evening. Biopsies revealed cancer.
He was initially stunned but soon went into hockey mode. He built a gym in his garage, so he could continue training, and he stayed positive. Chemo followed, as did seizures following his second round of chemo. Fejes kept grinding.
“I’m feeling good,’’ Fejes told Cohn as his post-cancer debut loomed. “It’s had its ups and downs, your good days and bad days. But I’m thankful I’m on the other side.”
The Alaska Athlete of the Week is selected by a panel each Monday.
Have a candidate in mind? Email us your nomination: info@alaskasportshall.org.
Also receiving votes: Zachary Blanton